What to do with Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith in Week 3 fantasy football

While the New Orleans Saints enter Week 3 with a credible 1-1 record, their offense looks little like the world-destroying unit that nearly led the team to a Super Bowl appearance two years ago.

Fantasy Football analysis: Saints WRs Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith

The Saints can tie a good deal of their offensive struggles to Michael Thomas, who missed last week’s game with an ankle sprain and played hurt through most of the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Normally, Thomas’ absence would mean more targets for the team’s other weapons, and indeed versatile back Alvin Kamara looks on pace to shatter his career high in targets (17 through two weeks).

However, Sanders didn’t see a boost in his targets during Thomas’ absence, a possible manifestation of Drew Brees’ poor start to the season. But Smith did go from one target to seven, catching five for 86 yards against the Raiders.

The Saints’ Week 3 opponent, the Green Bay Packers, have given up large totals to wideouts thus far, and that offers some upside for Sanders and Smith.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Coach Payton did say he wanted to get more looks for Sanders moving forward, but we can’t count on that happening. Smith is the preferred play of the two, but both have some upside in what could be a high-scoring affair.